Method for extending shelf life of germ remained rice by moderate moistening and electron beam irradiation

Abstract

A method for extending shelf life of germ remained rice includes evenly spreading the germ remained rice on a sheet tray, and moderately moistening the germ remained rice, packing the germ remained rice moistened, and irradiating the germ remained rice with an electron beam.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for extending shelf life of germ-remained rice, the method comprising:
 1) evenly spreading the germ-remained rice on a sheet tray, and moderately moistening the germ-remained rice; and   2) packing the germ-remained moistened rice, and irradiating the germ-remained rice with an electron beam; and   wherein moderately moistening comprises transferring the sheet tray to a constant climate chamber, and moistening the germ-remained rice at a temperature of 20-30° C. and a relative humidity of 88-99% for 1.0-2.0 hours without spraying water, until moisture seeps through the germ-remained rice; and   the germ-remained rice is germ-remained indica rice or germ-remained  japonica  rice;   the germ-remained indica rice is moistened to a moisture content of not more than 14.5%, and the germ-remained  japonica  rice is moistened to a moisture content of not more than 15.5%; and   wherein the germ-remained rice moistened is irradiated with an electron beam at a dose of 0.5 to 1.0 kGy and stored at 25° C. from 75-120 days.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein in 1), the germ-remained rice has a germ retention rate of more than or equal to 80%. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein in 1), the germ-remained rice is evenly spread on the sheet tray to a thickness of equal to or less than 2 cm. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein in 2), packing comprises sealing the moistened germ-remained rice in a bag without removing the air; and the germ-remained rice is evenly spread in the bag to a thickness of not more than 1 cm. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the bag comprises nylon composite. 
     
     
         6 . Germ-remained rice treated by the method of  claim 1 .